10 digit dialling. Is it just about universal?

[Locut0s]

Quite a while back we, BC Canada, switch to mandatory 10 digit dialling here, meaning you have to enter the area code to make local calls. Has this become the norm in North America?

 

[Gilligansdingy]

No, in america we have to dial 16 numbers

 

[chuckywang]

I just realized that I had to dial my zip code when I make local calls on my cell phone (I have T-mobile). I'm never in my area, so I didn't know this before.

 

[KLin]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_area_code_overlays

Looks like 10 digit dialing is required in areas where there is an area code overlay.

 

[Locut0s]

Originally posted by: KLin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_area_code_overlays

Looks like 10 digit dialing is required in areas where there is an area code overlay.

Ahh informative, thanks.

 

[JEDIYoda]

yes

 

[alimoalem]

it's not mandatory in California, USA

 

[Gilligansdingy]

Cali needs to fall off into the ocean!

 

[MrCodeDude]

Originally posted by: alimoalem
it's not mandatory in California, USA

They were going to implement it a couple years before though. Then they realized that small phone companies had huge allotments of phone numbers that were largely unused.

 

[So]

Originally posted by: Gilligansdingy
No, in america we have to dial 16 numbers

Oh yeah? Well in Nevada, we have to dial 24 numbers, and the last 17 of them are random every time. good thing I always get lucky and guess right. Pisses new residents off the most...

 

[BigJ]

Don't have to do it here.

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: BigJ
Don't have to do it here.

that really helps...especially with your profile disabled

 

[spidey07]

It's all about call routing. Area/country codes are there for a reason.

It's not universal, it just depends on the serving area that you are in.

 

[GeekDrew]

Not in most of Ohio (I can't say for certain about all of Ohio, but I know that most does not require 10 digits.

What's annoying is local calling that doesn't permit 10 digit dialing. I prefer 10 digit to 7 digit, particularly near area code boundaries.

 

[Mallow]

we do in Houston, 3 damn area codes to keep straight

 

[drinkmorejava]

It's not absolutely mandatory for us, but if there are two numbers in the same region it will default to your numbers area code or you'll get a message saying it could not be completed as dialed and you have to try again with the area code.

 

[nageov3t]

definitely have to in NJ... I think we've got the highest number of area codes in the smallest land area

there's no way I'm giving up my 201 number, though! it's the first area code ever.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_code_201

973 can suck it!

 

[bendixG15]

Need 11 digits in my part of MA (need the 1)

 

[clickynext]

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: Gilligansdingy
No, in america we have to dial 16 numbers

Oh yeah? Well in Nevada, we have to dial 24 numbers, and the last 17 of them are random every time. good thing I always get lucky and guess right. Pisses new residents off the most...

Oh yeah, well where I live, the phone numbers dial 24 people!!!!!!!!

 

[jadinolf]

Originally posted by: Gilligansdingy
Cali needs to fall off into the ocean!

Be patient, it will.

 

[Brainonska511]

My cell phone (verizon) dials in the area code that it is currently located in if I don't dial the 3 digit area code before the 7 digit number. My home phone will dial within my home area code if I don't dial 1-(3-digit area-code) before the 7 digit number.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: loki8481
definitely have to in NJ... I think we've got the highest number of area codes in the smallest land area

there's no way I'm giving up my 201 number, though! it's the first area code ever.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_code_201

973 can suck it!

Not in all of NJ. 908 doesn't have an overlay. My parents had to give up their 201 number years ago when 908 was created.

Ever see the Seinfeld episode where Elaine didn't want to give up her 212 number?

 

[Whisper]

I'm pretty sure it's necessary in most parts of GA, but it doesn't seem to be set here in Baton Rouge.

 

[Alone]

That's how it is in Canada.

 

[Specop 007]

As a translations engineer (Yes, thats what I do. Build the tables so you can make calls) let me tell you the level of frustrations I have with various dialing patterns.

I wish to hell they would make it simple and standard.

10d = local.
1+ = long distance.